Friends of Lowther Pavilion is just what you need. Set up in 2008 the organization is dedicated to assisting the Lowther Pavilion Theatre. Currently we are providing help and support as the council subsidy is phased out and the theatre becomes financially independent, raising money for improvements and refurbishments and helping to keep costs down with our volunteers. Going forward we will continue to help secure the future of the theatre as a permanent, successful and vibrant part of our community. We have just been granted charitable status and are now a fully fledged registered charity, with the Registered Charity Number 1151735

Our achievements over the last few years have directly improved the quality of the theatre experience for customers, staff and performers. Our fundraising has provided money to purchase, amongst other things, a new sound system for the theatre, a new communications system for the technicians and refurbish the dressing rooms. In January 2014, using funds raised by FOLP, work started on refurbishing the bar and green room to provide new and better facilities for customers and staff. The area will also be used for smaller more intimate performance nights. Our front of house volunteers ensure theatre goers are given a warm and friendly welcome and we also have an annual programme of successful fundraising events. Full details are available on the What’s On page of the Lowther Pavilion website. Tickets can be purchased from the Lowther Pavilion Box Office.

FRIENDS PRIDE

Local support is crucial to the success of the theatre. Many of our local businesses and organisations help our fundraising efforts for example by donating raffle prizes and performing at fundraising events for reduced rates. Once you’ve joined us you will be able to tailor your involvement to suit your circumstances. If all you want to do is pay your annual membership fee then you will be contributing valuable funds. If you have a bit more time then we’re sure you will find one (or more!) of our activities that suit you. (See below for more information on our Volunteering Opportunities)

People are the key to any successful community undertaking and our “Friends” are highly valued. Existing “Friends” are a friendly lot! We meet up at regular coffee mornings and keep in touch via our newsletters. There are also discounted ticket prices for many of the amateur productions put on at the theatre. If required you will receive the necessary training to ensure you can carry out any volunteering duties with confidence and if you already have additional skills that might help FOLP and the theatre then we will be more than happy to make use of them! We have the support of a number of local actors and entertainers who act as our patrons.

Volunteering Opportunities

“Friends” undertake a whole range of activities to support the theatre. If you’ve ever attended an event at the theatre then there’s a good chance you were shown to your seat by one of our front of house volunteers, if you’ve received a “What’s on” brochure in the post then it’s likely it was “stuffed” by a volunteer. You can also support our fundraising events, for example, helping with general organization, setting up the venue, or manning raffle and wine tables. We also provide support when the theatre takes part in events like local Club Days and the Christmas Lights switch on.

The Trust is constantly reviewing how volunteers can best serve the theatre and FOLP look forward to providing support in whatever capacity is required.